Features

There are some substantial standard features on every FX, including the lowly
FX35, but others that often come standard on the competition are packed in an
expensive option group. Standard equipment includes a rear spoiler, leather
seats, scratch-resistant paint, xenon headlights, heated and power-folding side
mirrors, push-button ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, a moonroof,
eight-way power front seats, an 11-speaker Bose audio system, XM Satellite
Radio, a rearview camera and cruise control.

There are a dizzying six option packages available for the FX35, two of which
are standard on the FX50. I'll try to detail them as simply as possible.

First, there's a Premium Package for $2,350 that comes standard on the FX50.
It includes heated and cooled front seats, Bluetooth, iPod interface,
power-adjustable tilt/telescoping steering wheel, aluminum pedals, quilted
leather seats, aluminum roof rails and a cargo cover and net. Besides the cargo
cover, which I found useless because the back window is completely tinted, I
think all these features are what one would expect in a luxury vehicle these
days, and they often come standard on the competition. If you think these
features are frivolous, there's another problem: You have to get this package in
order to add the Navigation Package.

The Navigation Package costs another $2,850 and is also standard on the FX50.
It includes a navigation system with real-time traffic, a 9GB hard drive for
music, a compact flash slot, voice recognition for audio and navigation
functions, and Infiniti's nifty Around View Monitor.

My tester came with both of these packages, and I think it's fair to say most
buyers would opt for both, bringing a $40,950 base price to a more realistic
$46,150.

Infiniti's navigation system is one of the industry's better applications,
with touch-screen, control knob and voice activation. The upgraded sound system
from the Premium Package also features an iPod adapter that displays song titles
and playlists.

The other packages will probably be less common. They include a Technology
Package ($2,900) with a forward collision warning system, lane departure
prevention and adaptive cruise control. Having tested these features on the
EX35, I can attest that they're very good safety features, but I'm not sure they
warrant the price.

A $3,000 Sport Package is available only on the FX50, and it will be worth it
for those who want a more performance-oriented ride, with rear active steering
and continuous damping control, which allows drivers to select the type of
suspension they want. Heavily bolstered sports seats are also included.

For the flashy, there's a Deluxe Touring Package ($2,650) that has 20-inch
wheels and maple wood trim. A rear-seat DVD system ($1,600) includes a 9-inch
flip-down screen.

See also:

Wheels and tires
If you have a flat tire, see “Flat tire” in the “In case of emergency” section of this manual. ...